attest

1
as in to certify
to declare (something) to be true or genuine the appraiser attests that the lamp is indeed an original Tiffany

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to testify
to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact an eyewitness who will attest to my innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of attest are certify, vouch, and witness. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

When would certify be a good substitute for attest?

The words certify and attest can be used in similar contexts, but certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

certified that the candidate had met all requirements

When could vouch be used to replace attest?

The meanings of vouch and attest largely overlap; however, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

When is witness a more appropriate choice than attest?

Although the words witness and attest have much in common, witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of attest Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 The Brickell Run Club can attest to the heat island effect. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 Available in dozens of colorways and patterns, there are plenty of options for designing a summery bedscape—and Harrison attests that the hues match their descriptions. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025 Those of us still battling it out in the print-journalism trenches can attest that there’s no shortage of ironic laughs to wring, as well, out of a fourth estate that’s in decline just when America needs it most. Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • If the case is eventually certified as a class action and proves successful, each class member would be provided three times actual damages or a statutory damages provision of $1,500.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The latter is known as one of the greatest albums of all time and is certified five-times platinum by the RIAA.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • During Thursday's hearing, a sheriff's deputy testified that the bodies were found covered by camouflage tarps in woods on state land in Tiptonville.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Charles Adelson testified at length in his own trial before he was ultimately convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, a law enforcement source later told The New York Times that the findings, from a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms report, had not been verified by the agency’s analysts and could have been misinterpreted.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • If verified, some researchers suggest this respite also could be a glimpse of future hurricane seasons, with the historic early-to-mid-September peak pushed back on the calendar.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The pre-authorization letters included a line saying payment was not guaranteed, but Sutton-Schulman didn’t think much of it.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Spending guarantees nothing by itself, but if all teams were highly competent, using the time value of money with a rising cap would seem to create a competitive advantage.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 200-acre campus, now called Aspiria, is a contender for a potential Royals ballpark after the team confirmed that an affiliate purchased the mortgage of the campus in the spring, giving the team some financial leverage over the site.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the victim as Daniella Weisman from Glencoe, a spokesperson confirms to PEOPLE.
    Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Having breathed in the fresh air of the mountains, affirmed his love for his girlfriend, and taken in the beautiful view, Daniel all but forgets about his fight with his mother.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Since then, however, the court has allowed states to ban gender-affirming care for minors and has agreed to review Idaho’s and West Virginia’s bans on transgender athletes joining sports teams.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The plaintiffs argued the displacement was motivated by a desire to limit readers' access to books with viewpoints that are unpopular and controversial in the area.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • But there are Republicans who argue that the changes to Medicaid strengthen the program for the most vulnerable.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In Antarctica, research stations like McMurdo will also witness a dramatic partial eclipse.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • If the marathons of New York and London showcase splendour and establishment and magnificence and size and place, then the Great North Run offers something else; to complete it, to witness it, is to understand its pull.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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